Air conditioner and air conditioner indoor unit thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioner and an air conditioner indoor unit thereof. The air conditioner indoor unit comprises a machine shell, an air inlet and an air outlet, the heat exchanger is arranged in the machine shell and comprises a plurality of first heat exchange sections and a plurality of second heat exchange sections, and the first heat exchange sections and the second heat exchange sections are alternately arranged in the length direction of the air outlet; and the flow path regulation and control device is configured to enable the first heat exchange sections to be conducted at the same time in a controlled mode or enable the first heat exchange sections and the second heat exchange sections to be conducted at the same time in a controlled mode. The air conditioner has the advantages that the air outlet comfort can be improved, and cold air is prevented from directly blowing a human body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning, and in particular to an air conditioner and its indoor unit. Background Technology

[0002] In modern life, air conditioning has become an essential device for regulating indoor temperature and creating a comfortable environment. While the cool air from air conditioners effectively lowers indoor temperature during the summer, it often causes discomfort due to the excessively low air temperature. This is especially true for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly with rheumatism, who have lower tolerance for cold air and may experience discomfort or even trigger illnesses from prolonged exposure. Even in comfortable ambient temperatures, some people may still experience discomfort from direct exposure to cold air.

[0003] Currently available windless air conditioners typically use air deflectors to reduce the irritation of cold air on the body. However, this technology has significant drawbacks. Air deflectors drastically reduce the airflow, resulting in a significant reduction in cooling efficiency and making it difficult to maintain the set indoor temperature, which can easily rise again. Furthermore, using deflectors to block cold air can lead to uneven temperature distribution within the same space. Areas closer to the air conditioner become too cold, while areas farther away are too hot, severely impacting the overall comfort of the user. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this utility model is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and provide an air conditioner and its cabinet indoor unit.

[0005] A further objective of this invention is to improve airflow comfort.

[0006] Another further objective of this invention is to improve the air mixing effect.

[0007] Specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an indoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0008] The casing has an air outlet on the front side;

[0009] A heat exchanger, disposed within the casing, includes multiple first heat exchange sections and multiple second heat exchange sections, wherein the first heat exchange sections and the second heat exchange sections are alternately arranged along the length of the air outlet; and

[0010] The flow path control device is configured to controllably enable all first heat exchange sections to be turned on simultaneously, or to controllably enable all first heat exchange sections and all second heat exchange sections to be turned on simultaneously.

[0011] Optionally, the heat exchanger has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and the refrigerant inlet is branched into a first inlet connecting each of the first heat exchange sections and a second inlet connecting each of the second heat exchange sections, and the end of each of the first heat exchange sections and each of the second heat exchange sections away from the refrigerant inlet is connected to the refrigerant outlet.

[0012] Optionally, the flow path control device includes a first shut-off valve, which is disposed at the second inlet and is used to controllably open and close the second inlet to simultaneously connect or disconnect each of the second heat exchange sections.

[0013] Optionally, the flow path control device includes a second shut-off valve, which is disposed at the first inlet and is used to controllably open and close the first inlet to simultaneously connect or disconnect each of the first heat exchange sections.

[0014] Optionally, the number of the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are the same; and

[0015] The heat exchange area of ​​the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are the same.

[0016] Optionally, the first heat exchange section and / or the second heat exchange section are serpentine heat exchange sections.

[0017] Optionally, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is a vertical indoor unit, and the air outlet extends along the vertical direction of the casing.

[0018] Optionally, multiple first heat exchange sections and multiple second heat exchange sections are arranged alternately from top to bottom in the manner of first heat exchange section and second heat exchange section.

[0019] Optionally, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is a wall-mounted indoor unit, and the air outlet extends along the lateral direction of the casing.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising the indoor unit of any one of the above-described embodiments.

[0021] The indoor unit of this air conditioner comprises a heat exchanger with multiple first heat exchange sections and multiple second heat exchange sections, arranged alternately along the length of the air outlet. A flow path control device can controllably activate all first heat exchange sections simultaneously, or controllably activate both first and second heat exchange sections simultaneously. This allows users to flexibly select the airflow mode according to actual needs and environmental conditions. When rapid cooling is required, all heat exchange sections are activated simultaneously for maximum cooling. When a gentle breeze is desired, only the first heat exchange sections are activated simultaneously. In this case, the cold air flowing through the first heat exchange sections mixes with the normal temperature air flowing through the second heat exchange sections, ensuring stable airflow and significantly improving comfort.

[0022] Furthermore, in the indoor unit of this air conditioner, the heat exchange sections of the heat exchanger are arranged in a layered layout, alternating from top to bottom in the order of a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. When only the first heat exchange section is in the conductive state, the cold air flowing through the first heat exchange section, due to its higher density, will naturally sink, and the sinking cold air will come into contact with and mix with the room temperature air flowing through the second heat exchange section. This layered alternating layout creates multiple opportunities for the cold air and room temperature air to come into contact at different levels. The cold air and room temperature air in each layer exchange heat to a certain extent. As the number of layers increases, this mixing effect is superimposed, making the mixing of cold air and room temperature air more thorough and significantly improving the air mixing effect.

[0023] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an indoor air conditioner unit according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 10. Indoor unit of air conditioner; 100. Casing; 101. Air outlet; 200. Heat exchanger; 201. Refrigerant inlet; 201a. First inlet; 201b. Second inlet; 202. Refrigerant outlet; 210. First heat exchange section; 220. Second heat exchange section; 310. First shut-off valve; 320. Second shut-off valve; Detailed Implementation

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments provided are intended to explain the present invention and not to limit it. In fact, various modifications and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0031] The following reference Figure 1-3 This description refers to an air conditioner and its indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "lateral," and "longitudinal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. The term "and / or" describes an association relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "some examples," "one example," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an air conditioner indoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner in this embodiment generally includes a casing 100, a heat exchanger 200, and a flow path control device.

[0036] An air outlet 101 may be provided on the front side of the housing 100, which refers to the side of the indoor unit 10 facing the user. An air inlet may be arranged on the rear side of the housing 100 so that when the indoor unit 10 is running, indoor air is drawn in from the air inlet, processed internally, and then blown back into the room from the air outlet 101.

[0037] The heat exchanger 200 can be disposed within the casing 100. The heat exchanger 200 includes multiple heat exchange sections, each of which has the function of transferring heat from the refrigerant to the indoor air or absorbing heat from the indoor air. Specifically, the heat exchanger 200 may include multiple first heat exchange sections 210 and multiple second heat exchange sections 220, and the first heat exchange sections 210 and second heat exchange sections 220 are arranged alternately along the length direction of the air outlet 101.

[0038] The flow path control device is configured to controllably activate each of the first heat exchange sections 210 simultaneously, or to controllably activate each of the first heat exchange sections 210 and each of the second heat exchange sections 220 simultaneously. Activation means that the refrigerant passages in the heat exchange sections are in a flowing state, allowing the refrigerant to flow normally within the heat exchange sections. Conversely, when the flow path control device closes the refrigerant passages of the corresponding heat exchange sections, the refrigerant cannot flow into these heat exchange sections, and therefore cannot exchange heat within them, thereby changing the air outlet mode of the indoor unit 10.

[0039] With the above structure, since the flow path control device can controllably activate all first heat exchange sections 210 simultaneously, or controllably activate all first heat exchange sections 210 and all second heat exchange sections 220 simultaneously, users can flexibly select the air outlet mode according to actual needs and environmental conditions. When rapid cooling is required, all heat exchange sections can be activated using the flow path control device for full-power cooling. When a gentle breeze is desired, only the first heat exchange section 210 can be activated using the flow path control device. Since the first heat exchange sections 210 and second heat exchange sections 220 are arranged alternately along the length of the air outlet 101, the cold air flowing through the first heat exchange section 210 can mix with the room temperature air flowing through the second heat exchange section 220, ensuring not only stable airflow but also significantly improving the comfort of the airflow.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the heat exchanger 200 has a refrigerant inlet 201 and a refrigerant outlet 202, and the refrigerant inlet 201 is branched into a first inlet 201a connecting each of the first heat exchange sections 210, and a second inlet 201b connecting each of the second heat exchange sections 220. This means that before the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger 200, it flows separately according to the type of heat exchange section, with a portion entering each of the first heat exchange sections 210 through the first inlet 201a, and another portion entering each of the second heat exchange sections 220 through the second inlet 201b. The end of each of the first heat exchange sections 210 and each of the second heat exchange sections 220 away from the refrigerant inlet 201 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 202. This means that the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchange sections 210 and the second heat exchange sections 220, regardless of the amount of heat exchanged, will eventually converge at the refrigerant outlet 202 and then enter the next cycle.

[0041] When the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner is running, the refrigerant enters through the refrigerant inlet 201 and, depending on the state of the flow path control device, enters the corresponding heat exchange section through the first inlet 201a or the second inlet 201b. Within the first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the flowing indoor air, changing the air temperature. After completing the heat exchange, the refrigerant collects at the refrigerant outlet 202 through the connection channels between its respective heat exchange section and the refrigerant outlet 202, continuing to circulate within the air conditioning system.

[0042] This design not only allows the first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220 to work independently or in conjunction to meet different cooling or heating needs, but also provides the hardware foundation for realizing diverse air outlet modes, enabling users to flexibly adjust the air conditioner's operating status according to actual needs.

[0043] For example, on a hot summer afternoon, the indoor temperature may reach over 35°C, at which point users urgently need to quickly lower the indoor temperature. With this design, users can adjust the flow path control device to a mode where all heat exchange sections operate simultaneously via the air conditioner remote or smart device. Refrigerant will flow into both the first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220 simultaneously, significantly improving the air conditioner's cooling capacity. A large amount of cool air is rapidly blown out from the air outlet 101, quickly lowering the indoor temperature to a comfortable level and rapidly alleviating the feeling of heat.

[0044] For example, when resting at night, the elderly and children are more sensitive to temperature changes, needing a certain level of coolness but not being directly exposed to cold air. Users can adjust the flow path control device to a mode where only the first heat exchange section 210 operates. Refrigerant flows only into the first heat exchange section 210, and the resulting cool air mixes with the room-temperature air flowing through the second heat exchange section 220, producing a soft and comfortable breeze. This maintains a suitable indoor temperature while avoiding the discomfort caused by direct cold air, ensuring a peaceful sleep for the elderly and children.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the flow path control device may include a first shut-off valve 310, which is disposed at the second inlet 201b and is used to controllably open and close the second inlet 201b to simultaneously connect or disconnect each of the second heat exchange sections 220.

[0046] The first shut-off valve 310 is installed at the second inlet 201b of the heat exchanger 200. This position allows it to directly control the refrigerant passages entering each of the second heat exchange sections 220.

[0047] The first shut-off valve 310 can be controlled to open or close the second inlet 201b according to the control command of the air conditioning system. When the first shut-off valve 310 is open, refrigerant can enter each of the second heat exchange sections 220 through the second inlet 201b, making each of the second heat exchange sections 220 conductive. The refrigerant flows in these heat exchange sections and exchanges heat with the indoor air, thereby achieving the corresponding cooling or heating function. Conversely, when the first shut-off valve 310 is closed, the second inlet 201b is cut off, and the refrigerant cannot enter each of the second heat exchange sections 220. These heat exchange sections cannot work, thereby stopping the heat exchange with the indoor air.

[0048] In this way, the first shut-off valve 310 can effectively control the working status of each second heat exchange section 220, so that it can be turned on or off simultaneously according to actual needs, thereby cooperating with each first heat exchange section 210 to achieve different air outlet modes and temperature regulation effects, and meet the user's needs in different scenarios.

[0049] In another alternative embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the flow path control device may also include a second shut-off valve 320, which is disposed at the first inlet 201a and is used to controllably open and close the first inlet 201a to simultaneously conduct or cut off each of the first heat exchange sections 210.

[0050] Similar to the principle of the first shut-off valve 310, the second shut-off valve 320 is located at the first inlet 201a and can be opened or closed in a controlled manner according to the control command of the air conditioning system.

[0051] Under normal operating conditions, if the first shut-off valve 310 fails and cannot close the second inlet 201b, refrigerant will continue to flow into the second heat exchange section 220. At this time, the first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220 will be in a conducting state simultaneously, making it difficult for the air conditioner to achieve the function of mixing cold air and normal temperature air through differentiated heat exchange.

[0052] With the addition of the second shut-off valve 320, if the first shut-off valve 310 fails, the first inlet 201a can be closed by operating the second shut-off valve 320, preventing refrigerant from flowing into the first heat exchange section 210. In this way, the cold air flowing through the second heat exchange section 220 can mix with the room temperature air flowing through the first heat exchange section 210, thus restoring the air conditioning's mixing function. This not only ensures a comfortable airflow experience for users but also greatly improves the reliability of the indoor unit 10 under complex operating conditions, reducing the risk of functional loss due to component failure.

[0053] Of course, the above examples of flow path control devices are merely illustrative. Based on the understanding of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should be able to easily change the specific structure of the flow path control device. For example, a shut-off valve can be provided between each heat exchange section and the refrigerant inlet 201 to replace the flow path switching device of this embodiment. These changes should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0054] In one optional embodiment, the number of first heat exchange sections 210 and second heat exchange sections 220 are the same, and the heat exchange areas of the first heat exchange sections 210 and second heat exchange sections 220 are the same.

[0055] The first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220 have the same number and heat exchange area, which makes the refrigerant distribution in the two types of heat exchange sections more uniform. When exchanging heat with the indoor air, a more consistent temperature change can be achieved on the entire heat exchanger 200, avoiding local overheating or undercooling, thereby improving the uniformity of the indoor temperature field and providing users with a more comfortable indoor environment.

[0056] In mixed air mode, ambient temperature air and cool air are mixed at the same airflow rate, allowing for more precise control of the mixed air temperature. Because the airflow rates of the two types of air are balanced, temperature changes during the mixing process are more stable and predictable, avoiding the problem of difficulty in accurately controlling the mixed temperature due to excessive airflow differences.

[0057] Furthermore, mixing room temperature air and cool air at the same volume results in a more even and gentler airflow in terms of temperature and speed. If the airflow volumes are different, localized areas may experience higher wind speeds or uneven temperature variations, leading to user discomfort. A uniform mix of airflow allows for more natural indoor air circulation, reducing abrupt drafts and creating a more comfortable indoor environment.

[0058] In some embodiments, both the first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220 can be serpentine heat exchange sections. A serpentine heat exchange section refers to a heat exchange section composed of channels that are bent into a serpentine shape. This shape design can increase the heat exchange area, allowing the refrigerant to fully contact the surrounding indoor air as it flows within the channels, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner is a vertical indoor unit, and the air outlet 101 extends along the vertical direction of the casing 100.

[0060] In one example, the multiple heat exchange sections of the heat exchanger 200 are arranged alternately from top to bottom in the manner of first heat exchange section 210, second heat exchange section 220.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, during the operation of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner, when only the first heat exchange section 210 is turned on, the cold air (indicated by the solid arrow) will naturally sink due to its higher density. During the sinking process, the cold air comes into contact with the normal temperature air (indicated by the dashed arrow) flowing through the second heat exchange section 220, and heat exchange and mixing begin.

[0062] Thanks to this layered, alternating layout, cool and ambient air have multiple opportunities to come into contact at different heights. At each layer, the two airflows exchange heat and mix. As the number of layers increases, this mixing effect continuously amplifies, resulting in a more thorough mixing of cool and ambient air. This significantly improves the overall air mixing effect, effectively enhances airflow quality, and creates a more comfortable environment for users.

[0063] In some other embodiments, the air conditioner indoor unit 10 may also be a wall-mounted indoor unit, with the air outlet 101 extending in the lateral direction of the casing 100.

[0064] Since the first heat exchange section 210 and the second heat exchange section 220 are arranged alternately along the length of the air outlet 101, both freestanding and wall-mounted indoor units can achieve the air mixing function and provide comfortable airflow.

[0065] This utility model embodiment also provides an air conditioner, which includes the indoor unit 10 of any of the above embodiments.

[0066] Since the other components of the air conditioner, such as the outdoor unit, and their operation are well known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0067] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An air conditioner indoor unit characterized by comprising: The air conditioner indoor unit comprises: a casing, a front side of which is provided with an air outlet; a heat exchanger arranged in the casing, comprising a plurality of first heat exchange sections and a plurality of second heat exchange sections, and the first heat exchange sections and the second heat exchange sections are arranged alternately along the length direction of the air outlet; and a flow path regulating device configured to control the simultaneous conduction of each of the first heat exchange sections, or the simultaneous conduction of each of the first heat exchange sections and each of the second heat exchange sections.

2. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and the refrigerant inlet is branched into a first inlet communicating with each of the first heat exchange sections, and a second inlet communicating with each of the second heat exchange sections, and each of the first heat exchange sections and each of the second heat exchange sections are communicated with the refrigerant outlet at an end away from the refrigerant inlet.

3. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 2, wherein the flow path regulating device comprises a first shut-off valve arranged at the second inlet for controlling the opening and closing of the second inlet to simultaneously conduct or cut off each of the second heat exchange sections.

4. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 3, wherein the flow path regulating device comprises a second shut-off valve arranged at the first inlet for controlling the opening and closing of the first inlet to simultaneously conduct or cut off each of the first heat exchange sections.

5. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the number of the first heat exchange sections is the same as that of the second heat exchange sections; and the heat exchange area of the first heat exchange sections is the same as that of the second heat exchange sections.

6. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the first heat exchange sections and / or each of the second heat exchange sections is a serpentine heat exchange section.

7. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner indoor unit is a floor-standing indoor unit, and the air outlet extends along the vertical direction of the casing.

8. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of first heat exchange sections and the plurality of second heat exchange sections are arranged alternately from top to bottom in the order of first heat exchange section and second heat exchange section.

9. The air conditioner indoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner indoor unit is a wall-mounted indoor unit, and the air outlet extends along the horizontal direction of the casing.

10. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner indoor unit according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images